Main description (English)

The mosaic on the façade of S. Maria in Trastevere was executed in three phases, beginning in the center with an image of Mary suckling the infant Christ (Virgo lactans) flanked by four young women bearing lamps. The women to Mary’s right have crowns, regal posture and lamps that burn; those on her left have empty lamps, bowed heads, and simple headscarves, indicating an intention to depict the Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13). In the second phase this program was abandoned, and three women with crowns and burning lamps filled out the row of foolish ones. A date for the initial program is suggested by the type of the Virgo lactans and its execution with chrysography (gold highlights), which reflect developments in Crusader painting near the middle of the thirteenth century. The rationale for the unique combination of the Virgo lactans with the Wise and Foolish Virgins must have included a play on the name of the church, Sancta Maria fundens oleum (pouring forth oil); on another level, it exhorted viewers to prepare for the final judgement by seeking the grace of Christ (symbolized by the fons olei) before it was too late. The move away from Matthew’s parable in phase two can be explained by unintended meanings generated by the juxtaposition of Mary, celebrated for her power of intercession with her son, with the foolish virgins (fatuae), who could never be saved. Their harsh fate was incompatible with the traditional emphasis of Roman church decoration on the availability of salvation through the Church. Surrounding Mary with eight other virgin intercessors offered the viewer hope rather than fear.